Share & Care. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Transcription

1 Share & Care May 2017 A Newsletter of the Escondido United Reformed Church The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

2 Youth of Yesterday will meet for lunch at Meadowbrook Village on Wednesday, May 10, starting with coffee at 10:30 and lunch to follow. Dr. Robert Godfrey will lead us in a devotional while the kindergarten class from Calvin Christian School will sing for us. Please sign the sheet on the counter in the foyer if you plan to attend; cost for the lunch is $7. We have many shut-ins in our congregation. They can easily be forgotten since we do not see them each week. Because they are homebound, they need just as much encouragement if not more. Names are listed each week in the bulletin for you to remember them in prayer. The list is lengthy so they are on a rotating list from week to week. Receiving a card from time to time helps them realize they haven t been forgotten by their fellow saints. Please take time to write a note of encouragement to a shut-in.

3 Congratulations to Ryan & Dara Ryan and I are so thankful that God brought us together, and for the part that Escondido URC has played in our lives together. We met through friends at church, had the opportunity to grow together in this wonderful community, and were married at EURC on March 11. It was a wonderful day full of family and friends from far and near. We are blessed to have such a Christ-centered and supportive church community here and are excited to see what God has in store for us! We covet your prayers as Ryan is currently preparing for deployment later this spring, which should make our first year of marriage quite the adventure! Our address is:

4 My Profession of Faith "Recently, I had the opportunity to profess my faith publicly to the church. My faith has always been a huge part of my life and I have been blessed to have been surrounded by so many role models of the Christian faith my whole life. Taking the final step towards publicly professing my faith was very daunting for me and involved many prayers for the Lord to guide me through this process. By his grace I finally realized that my profession was just putting into words what I have believed my whole life. I owe everything to Christ for living a perfect life and dying the sacrificial death on the cross. Going forward in my life I may face challenges to my faith but having confidence and assurance in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit will guide me through any bumps in the road. I look forward to spiritual nourishment with the congregation in the future and enjoying all the privileges of being a member. "...Elizabeth Nothing in all creation is hidden from God s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:13-14

5 If we compare the present state of the New Testament text with that of any other ancient writing, we must... declare it to be marvelously correct. Such has been the care with which the New Testament has been copied - a care which has doubtless grown out of true reverence for its holy words... The New Testament is unrivaled among ancient writings in the purity of its test as actually transmitted and kept in use. Benjamin B. Warfield Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield ( ) B. B. Warfield was professor of theology at Princeton Seminary from 1887 to Books by B. B. Warfield in our library: B. B. Warfield: Evolution, Science, and Scripture (Selected Writings), Baker Books, Counterfeit Miracles, The Banner of Truth Trust, Faith and Life, Banner of Truth Trust, The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible, The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, Perfectionism, The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, Calvary Press Publishing, The Plan of Salvation, Simpson Publishing Company, Selected Shorter Writings of Benjamin B. Warfield (2 volumes), Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, Two Studies in the History of Doctrine, Wipf and Stock Publishers, The Works of Benjamin B. Warfield (10 volumes), Baker Books, Book about B. B. Warfield in our library: B. B. Warfield s Scientifically Constructive Theological Scholarship by David P. Smith, Pickwick Publications, From Inscrutability to Concursus: Benjamin B. Warfield's Theological Construction of Revelation's Mode from 1880 to 1915 by Jeffrey A. Stivason, P&R Publishing, 2017

6 ABOUNDING GRACE RADIO for some have never heard The Fifth Annual Abounding Grace Radio Dinner was held on Saturday, April 8, in Meadowbrook Village s beautiful Windmill Commons with a full house of AGR friends and supporters. In the atmosphere of soft music and candlelit tables decorated with warm colors and assorted succulents handcrafted by Paul & Cindy, few could resist the delectable hors d oeuvres circulating throughout the crowd during the pre-dinner fellowship. Once all were seated, AGR Board President Jim welcomed everyone followed by devotions and opening prayer by Jason. Jason, an AGR board member for seven years, read from Romans 10 where we were reminded that faith comes through hearing. Radio is a great means to reach others with their biggest need the gospel. Once again palates were satisfied with a delicious meal of burgundy-glazed beef, chicken Florentine and an assortment of sides followed by dessert and coffee. After moving over to the Chapel, Dr. Josh introduced EURCs very own teen musicians Chris and Grace, who shared their exceptional talents in a variety of ways through piano, violin and voice using various hymns, their own Disney favorites and sacred selections. God has indeed blessed them with gifts to share for His glory and for all to enjoy! An update was given by Jim on the ministry of Abounding Grace Radio, noting board members from different areas of Escondido, Visalia, CA and Lynden, WA. Steve was welcomed as a visiting board member from Lynden. The Board of Abounding Grace works diligently to be faithful to the doors of opportunity the Lord has given them. Abounding Grace Radio currently broadcasts in the areas of Lynden, WA/Vancouver, BC, Central CA, San Diego, Grand Rapids, MI and by shortwave radio out of Zambia to nearly all of the African continent. Jim thanked Helma who faithfully answers the phone line for AGR... Abounding Grace Radio, Hello, Helma, is that you? He also expressed sincere appreciation to Jocelyn from Lynden, AGR s dedicated Facebook warrior. Mrs. Jocelyn is the mother of Mark, who with his wife,

7 Christina, worshiped at the Escondido URC while a student at Westminster Seminary. Jim also gave a picture of the current AGR budget and how the monies are spent, with approximately 90% of donations going specifically toward the cost of broadcasting. The remainder is used for necessary expenses including insurance, tax filing, fund raising and miscellaneous expenditures such as advertising. He thanked everyone for attending this year s dinner event and for their prayers, commitment and generous gifts to the ministry. Jason took stage once again to read a few brief letters received recently from AGR listeners, an encouragement of the blessings the broadcasts are bringing to listeners far and wide. Rev. Chris Gordon followed with a short reflection on Acts 16, emphasizing the faith of Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened to not only listen, but to hear and receive the things spoken by Paul. Lydia responded to Paul s message of salvation and was baptized, along with her household. God uses means such as Abounding Grace Radio to present the gospel in order that people can hear and receive the message of salvation. Rev. Gordon also thanked everyone for coming and for the many faithful supporters everywhere, for without it the ministry would not be possible. He expressed appreciation for continued dedication and prayers which give great encouragement to him and the radio ministry. Bringing the evening to a close, all joined hearts and voices in the enthusiastic singing of I Love To Tell the Story of Jesus and His love, for some have never heard, the message of salvation from God s own Holy Word. As guests departed the chapel they were each given a reusable grocery bag with the AGR logo. Spreading the word about Abounding Grace Radio is now made possible and easy with every trip to the store!

8 Special Building Committee Have you been wondering what all those white lines, dashes, and symbols mean on the parking lot pavement? They are just the beginning of the Parking Lot Construction Plan and the Tree Removal Plan that the committee recently voted on. The work will be done in three stages and if all goes according to schedule, you should be seeing evidence of both plans later this month. THANK YOU TO THE SPECIAL BUILDING COMMITTEE FOR ALL THE WORK AND TIME ON THIS PROJECT!

9 How do you sum up the life of someone who is 104? I was going to write a summary of the biography that Arie s daughter had at the memorial service. I thought I could take pictures of the pages and summarized to create a biography for the Share and Care. Well, I started to take pictures and realized at 104, his biography was 28 pages long! There went that idea! Arie faithfully attended church as long as he was able. He asked his son Gene, who lives in San Marcos to pick him up and bring him as often as he could. The first birthday we celebrated here was Arie s 98th. He was still walking with a cane. He celebrated one more birthday here at church that he was still able to attend, his 99th! Arie Van Schyndel Arie was born in 1913 in Platt, South Dakota. His parents had immigrated from the Netherlands one in 1905 and the other in They meet and married here in the States. Arie had 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Arie worked on family farm until he bought the family farm and realized it was to much work and suffering from farmers lung decided to move to California where his parents retired also. Once in California he purchased different motels and ran those with his wife and children, 2 sons and 2 daughters until his first wife died of cancer. Arie was married twice in his life. His first wife died in Then he meet Marion, who was born and raised in San Diego. They were married for 34 years before Marion died in 2008 at the age of 97. Arie died in March and was buried in Oceanside. His memorial service was held here at the EURC where Rev. Stephen Donovan officiated the service on Monday, March 20, 2017.

10 Cadet Campout 2017 For this year s campout the Cadets went to the Fish Creek Primitive Campground in Ocotillo Wells. About 20 boys and 20 counselors/dads headed out Friday after school and got camp set up before it got too dark. On Saturday we off-roaded through the Fish Creek Canyon to a trailhead where we hiked up to some naturally formed wind caves. There the boys got to explore and climb through the caves. We thank God for a safe trip and the chance to enjoy his creation. More

11 CRUISING THE PANAMA CANAL On March 21, several EURC church members flew to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to embark on a cruise through the Panama Canal. In addition to Koos and Joanne, Jerry and Carol, Arlan and Elaine, Adriaan and Vivian, and Marv and Judy, we were joined by Rev. Andrew and Millie, and Donald and Bette (friends of the Jerry & Carol). After boarding the Holland America Veendam, the first port was the beautiful Bahama island of Half Moon Cay, especially memorable because of its clear turquoise water and white sand beaches. The next stop was Cartagena, Colombia, and a land/ water tour of the impenetrable 17 th century Spanish fort (the largest in the New World), the old walled city, and a view of the seven miles of fortifications built around the city. The word incredible was heard numerous times during the 12-hour cruise through the Panama Canal and the journey from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Enormous 6- story high steel doors boxed in the Veendam through each of the six locks as the ship was lifted 85-feet above sea-level and then lowered back down again. 95% of the original lock mechanisms, which were constructed over 100 years ago, are still in use today. What a marvel! Five seaports on the Pacific coast were also visited. They included a visit to a coffee plantation in Costa Rica, a walk through the town of Corinto, Nicaragua, and a tour of Antigua, Guatemala, which is a charming 16 th century colonial town known as one of the loveliest towns in Central America. Another day was spent in Puerto Chiapas, Mexico, which began with an interesting tour of a banana plantation. We now know where Chiquita bananas are grown, washed, and stickered! But the highlight of

12 that day was a visit to a public elementary school where about 100 of the children returned (on a Saturday!) to show us their classrooms, ask questions, proudly give us hand-drawn pictures, and present a wellrehearsed program of song and dance. Our tour fees included packets of school supplies which we, in turn, presented to the students. The final port was Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the southern-most tip of the Baja Peninsula. In addition to seeing many new and interesting places in Central America and learning about the people and their cultures, the days at sea were spent relaxing, participating in Team Trivia events, and visiting. On the two Sundays at sea, we were blessed to have our own worship time with singing, prayer, and Rev. Andrew giving inspiring meditations. On April 6, the Veendam sailed into San Diego Bay, leaving us to disembark with many memories and thankful for the experiences and fellowship we had enjoyed.

13 OFFERING SCHEDULE DATE MORNING SERVICES EVENING SERVICE May 7 General Fund/Building Fund Gideons May 14 General Fund/CCS Tuition Aid Fund Homes for Mexico May 21 General Fund/Building Fund Tepeyac High School May 25 Ascension Day Rev. Juan Arjona-MNA May 28 General Fund/CCS Legacy Fund YP Convention Fund The General Fund offering not only support the ongoing expenses of our local congregation, but also other ministries such as: CLIR-Rev. Bill Green, NKST Sponsorship Program, and OURC (Oceanside). The deacons ask that everyone support the General Fund with 5% of their income and other causes with an additional 5% of their income. DESCRIPTIONS OF OFFERINGS CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS TUITION AID This offering is used for tuition assistance for families from our church who are unable to pay full tuition at Calvin Christian Schools. The Deacons think that it is necessary to maintain at least two tuition aid offerings per month. Keep in mind that our commitment for tuition aid amounts to $51, for the school year. BUILDING FUND is used to maintain the facilities and for any new building projects or improvements on the church properties. REV. JUAN ARJONA (MNA) is a church planting work of the Presbyterian Church in America to reach the Hispanic community in Escondido, CA. Also known as Mission Vida Nueva. MNA stands for Mission to North America. GIDEONS This offering will go to support the work of the Gideons as they provide Bibles to hotels and prisons all over the world. Many have been blessed by this ministry. PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE was created to fill the need for a Reformed, Christian college on the west coast. It welcomed its first class in 2005, and currently has its residence in Pasadena. Providence Christian College is a Reformed Christian institution with a mission to equip students to be firmly grounded in biblical truth, thoroughly educated in the liberal arts, and fully engaged in their church, their community, and the world for the glory of God and for service to humanity. The core values of Providence Christian College are Biblical perspective, academic development, community connectedness, kingdom service, stewardship and accountability. All programs are taught in accordance with the Bible, God s infallible and inerrant Word, as it is interpreted by the Reformed Standards: The Belgic Confession, The Heidelberg Catechism, The Canons of Dort, The Westminster Confession of Faith, and The Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms. HOMES FOR MEXICO - Homes for Mexico is a fund established for donations designated specifically for mission work in Baja California, Mexico. The funds are used by the church to buy materials in Mexico that are connected to the various mission trips and work projects we are involved in. These trips include house building in Vicente Guerrero, widows and pastors homes in Tijuana, and group homes for an orphanage in Uruapan. TEPEYAC CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL was founded in 1993 with the purpose of providing a Reformed, Christ centered education in Tepeyac, Costa Rica. There is a need to finish the high school construction project.

14 EVENTS MAY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 GEMS (last meeting) 2 9:00 Project Philip 7:30 Council 3 6:30 Prayer Group 7:30 YP Fresman Class Night 4 9:30 Coffee Break Bible Study 5 JHYG swim party at Heidi Brouwer s house until 5:30pm 6 GEMS (7:30-12:30) (7:30-12:30) (11:30-4:30) (7:30-12:00) (12:30-4:30) 7 First Sunday Coffee Group #1 7:30 IMPACT 8 (7:30-12:30) 9 7:00 Cadets (last meeting) (7:30-12:30) 10 6:30 Prayer Grp 7:30 YP Gym Night Snack: Andrew M. (7:30-12:00) (12:30-4:30) 11 9:30 Coffee Break Closing Brunch No 12 (7:30-12:30) :15 Young Adult/ Young Married :00 Project Philip 7:00 Consistory 17 6:30 Prayer Grp 8:05 CCS Service Group 7:30 YP UNCO Snack: Evan S. Small Groups 18 Share and Care deadline for all graduates Last Sunday School classroom meeting following brief wrap up meeting. Elder Andy Luncheon 7:30 IMPACT :30 Prayer Group 7:30 YP Steal the Bacon Snack: Nick S 25 ASCENSION DAY WORSHIP 7:00pm Summer Coffee begins Group #6 Preparatory 11:15 Young Adult/ Young Married 29 MEMORIAL DAY NO SCHOOL 30 9:00 Project Philip 6:00 CCS Concert in the Quad 31 6:30 Prayer Grp 7:30 YP Board Game Bring your favorite. Snack: Gerrit V. Small groups